Trapping nanostructures

Abstract

A trap Including: an inlet configured to receive a fluid conveying nanostructures; ionic liquid configured to trap the nanostructures; and an outlet for the fluid.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method comprising:
 receiving a fluid conveying nanostructures, the nanostructures comprising graphene; 
 trapping the nanostructures using ionic liquid, the ionic liquid comprising a room temperature ionic liquid comprising an ionic salt; 
 recycling the nanostructures to a source of the nanostructures; and 
 exhausting the fluid; 
 wherein the nanostructures are reversibly trapped by π-π electron system interactions. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising recovering trapped nanostructures from the ionic liquid. 
     
     
       3. A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising transporting or storing nanostructures as trapped nanostructures within the ionic liquid. 
     
     
       4. A method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising dispersing the nanostructures within the ionic liquid. 
     
     
       5. A method as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein dispersing the nanostructures comprises ultrasonically dispersing the nanostructures. 
     
     
       6. The method as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein dispersing the nanostructures comprises chemically dispersing the nanostructures using a dispersing agent or a dispersing additive. 
     
     
       7. The method as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein dispersing the nanostructures comprises thermodynamically dispersing the nanostructures using a heater.